What has Our Man in Abiko done to change the world for the better? Made a few snide comments about Japanese politicians? Linked to a couple of semi-subversive YouTube videos? Exactly. Naff all. Well, that changes right here, right now.

See, on the 25th of October, 2009, Ourmani will be huffing and puffing round the local "lake" here in Abiko in a half marathon no less (that's 21 km or about 13 miles) with several thousand of his closest friends. But unlike those uncharitable fitness freaks, Ourmani will be doing it for those less fortunate than himself. No, not the readers of his blog, silly, genuinely poor kids in sub-Saharan Africa, Palestine and other such places. But, he is not giving them money or something useful like knives - but books. Yep, crazy as it sounds he reckons that could prove to be their best bet. Take a peek at the charity here and then just donate a little loose change through your credit card or PayPal. Come on, spend it on something at least potentially worthwhile, and help Ourmani make it round in one piece. By the way, £2 (about ¥300 or $3) puts a new book in the hands of a kid who otherwise wouldn't have another window on the world. Read on for the JustGiving blurb. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.